COL.  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  FLOWERS 
MEMORIAL  COLLECTION 


DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 
DURHAM,  N.  C. 


PRESENTED  BY 

W.  W.  FLOWERS 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2014 


https://archive.org/details/sermonii249leig 


SERMON  II. 


BY  REV.  HEZEKIAH  G.  LEIGH, 

or  THE  NORTH  CAROLINA  ANNUAL  CONFERENCE. 


*'  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  me,  because  he  l.ath  anointed  me  to  preach  the 
gospel  to  the  poor ;  he  hath  sent  me  to  heal  the  broken-hearted,  to  preach  deliver- 
ance to  the  captives,  and  recovering  of  sight  to  the  blind,  to  set  at  liberty  them  that 
are  bruised,  to  preach  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord." — Luke  iv  :  18,  19. 

The  imagery  of  this  passage  is  too  clear  and  impressive  to  pass 
unnoticed,  or  without  effect.  Objects,  common  to  hfe  and  adapt- 
ed to  excite  the  sympathies  and  commiseration  of  all  who  are 
merciful  and  kind,  are  here  penciled  with  a  brightness  and  variety 
of  aspects,  sufficient  to  rouse  the  feelings  and  to  excite  the  finest 
sensibilities  of  the  heart.  To  attend  to  them,  therefore,  is  the 
ready  way  of  deriving  the  benefit  designed  to  be  imparted. 

When  one  of  your  fellow  beings  is  presented  to  your  view,  des- 
titute of  the  good  things  of  life,  deprived  of  the  means  of  a  com- 
fortable support,  apparelled  in  ihe  tattered  garments  of  poverty  and 
wretchedness,  with  distressing  melancholy  upon  his  brow,  as  his 
imploring  eye  glances  in  tearful  silence  on  the  objects  of  his  peti- 
tion— what  is  the  language  of  the  passing  scene  ?  Is  he  not  the 
poor? 

When,  in  your  undesigned  excursions  or  friendly  visits,  you 
approach  a  mansion,  bearing  prominent  marks  of  a  distressing  rev- 
olution, and  hung  out  in  the  solemn  scenery  of  affliction  and  wo; 
if,  after  casting  your  eyes  for  a  few  momenis  over  the  mournful 
habitation,  you  behold  an  individual  in  sohtude  and  under  the  en- 
signs of  sorrow  and  bereavement,  bemourning  her  forlorn  and 
piteous  condition,  and  refusing  every  earthly  comfort — what  would 
be  the  exclamation  ?    Is  not  this  the  broken-hearted  7 


16 


THE  SOUTHERIf 


When  yo?i  have  \vitnes.s,ul,  or  lienrd  of,  irifestine  hroils  niul 
warlike  commotions — when  you  liave  seen  nations  and  armies  in 
hostile  array,  contending  with  swords  and  hayonetp,  ojjrning- in 
thundering  pe.ils  the  dark-nioutlied  cannon,  until  one,  overpow- 
ered and  subdued,  surrenders  ;  submits  to  galling  chains  ;  is  lorn 
from  friends,  relatives  and  coimirymen  ;  is  diagged  to  a  land  of 
tyranny  and  oppression;  and  left  within  the  confines  of  some 
dreary  prison-hound,  to  lift  his  cheerless  eyes  upon  its  unmovin^ 
walls  and  bear  the  horrors  of  his  clanking  fetters here  pause 
and  utter — "  It  is  the  captive  !" 

When,  standing  on  some  commanding  eminence,  yon  fix  your 
admirinir  gaze  on  the  wonders  of  creation, — the  beams  of  yonder 
sun  floating  in  lucid  streams  through  the  air,  opening  upon  your 
hemisphere,  by  a  gradual  increase  of  light,  the  full  blaze  of  daz- 
zling noon,  the  enchanting  blush  of  vernal  flowers,  the  gay  pro- 
fusion of  thriving  fields,  the  unsparing  bounties  of  summer  har- 
vest, the  glowing  colors  of  nature's  richest  drapery, — you  intagine 
yourself  destitute  of  the  facuhy  of  seeing,  you  would  be  struck 
with  a  heart-felt  sympathy  for  him  whose  straining  orbs  never  re- 
ceive the  beauties  of  this  goodly  universe. 

When,  by  some  unfortinuite  circumstance  beyond  hurnan  con- 
trol, you  see  a  man  with  half  his  system  paralyzed;  his  leg 
or  hand  severed  from  the  body  ;  his  features  distorted,  his  limbs 
almost  inverted  by  pain  :  are  you  not  ready  to  exclaim  "  behold 
the  bruised!  Bring  all  these  into  otie  assemblage  ;  hear,  and, 
at  one  glance,  see,  as  the  Deity  must,  the  affecting  plaints  of  the 
poor;  the  disconsolate  wailings  of  the  broken-hearted;  the  sighing 
lamentations  of  the  captives;  the  viewless  gaze  of  the  blind,  and 
the  distressing  groans  of  the  bruised,  and  will  yon  not  be  con- 
strained to  acknowledge  the  need  of  a  Saviour  for  our  dying  world? 

While  this  picture  of  human  calamities  rouses  all  the  tender 
feelings  of  sympathy  and  benevolence,  it  shows  you  also  the  mula- 
dies  of  your  spiritual  condition.  It  may  be  regarded  as  presenting 
a  just  view  of  mankind  in  their  natural  state.  They  are  *^poor," 
liaving  forfeited  "  the  inheritance  that  is  incorruptible,  undefiled 
and  that  fadeth  not  away," — "  broken-hearted,"  having  put  away 
the  only  balm  of  spiritual  consolation— '^captives,"  having  sur- 
rendered to  the  bondage  of  Satan—"  blind,"  having  yielded  to 


METHODIST  PULPIT.  17 


the  influence  of  darkness — "bruised,"  having  l^een  brought  under 
tlie  dominion  of  spiiilual  death.  In  this  condition  the  eye  of  the 
Deity  saw  them  ;  his  heart  pitied,  and  his  love  sent  his  only  be- 
gotten Son  into  the  woikh  "timt  whosoever  beheved  on  liim  should 
not  perish,  hut  have  everlastirjg  hfe;"  and  this  Son,  in  the  nccom- 
pUslirnentof  his  errand,  preaches  the  gospel  to  the  poor,  heals  the 
broken-heat  ted,  frees  the  captive,  imparts  sight  to  the  blind,  re- 
stores the  bruised,  and  proclaims  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord. 

The  mission  of  this  great  and  Almighty  Being  to  our  earth, 
demands  attention  and  the  most  serious  inquiry.  As  earth's  in- 
habitants are  infected — deeply  afflicted  with  a  mortal  disease,  and 
dying  daily  under  the  ruinous  plague,  it  needs  a  physician  of  no 
ordinary  character — one  who  is  omniscient,  omnipresent,  omnipo- 
tent, merdful  and  gracious  ; — omniscient,  to  comprehend  the  dis- 
ease and  remedy  ;  omnipresent,  to  witness  the  occurrence  and  rem- 
edial operalion  in  every  case  ;  otimipotent,  to  render  the  prescrip- 
tion effectual  under  all  circumstances ;  merciful,  to  be  tenderly 
disposed  towards  every  individual ;  gracious,  freely  to  bestow, 
where  no  recompense  can  be  afforded — a  physician  beyond  the 
influence  of  earthly  wealth  and  distinction  ;  who  looks  on  every 
subject  with  feelings  of  impartiality  and  with  the  commiseration 
of  the  most  tender  heart  ;  who,  needing  nothing  that  belongs  to 
any  one  to  enhance  his  glory,  to  add  to  his  felicity,  or  to  exalt  the 
honors  of  his  Throne,  acts  upon  the  principles  of  disinieiested  be- 
nevolence. Beholil  the  mission  of  the  t*5on  of  God,  and  you  will 
see  a  physician  of  such  a  character.  It  is  benevolent  in  its  object, 
embracing  the  poor — merciful  in  its  visitations,  healing  the  broken- 
hearted— powerful  in  its  o|)eration,  delivering  the  crptive — benign 
in  its  influence,  giving  sight  to  the  blind — kind  in  its  oflers,  reliev- 
ing the  bruised — impaitial  in  its  provifions,  proclaiming  the  ac- 
ceptable year  of  the  Lord. 

L  The  mission  of  Jesus  Clni-^t  is  benevolent,  because  it  em- 
braces the  poor.  Such  persons,  before  this  great  philanthiopist 
came  into  the  world,  were,  in  all  nations,  entirely  neglected.  'I'he 
rich  have  always  been  held  in  estimation  and  honored,  in  some 
degree,  whether  aboiuiding  in  virtue  u\  sunk  in  vice.  But  the 
Son  of  Gv)d  has  instituted  a  diffe rem.  scale  of  nioial  woith,  leading 
to  a  judgment  of  another  kind  ;  and  has  taught  you,  always  to 


P42732 


18 


THE  SOUTHERIf 


graduate  the  esteem  by  (lie  character  and  extent  of  virtue  found 
to  exist.  Before  his  day  the  poor  sunk  in  estimation  as  they  be- 
came depressed  by  poverty,  until  Jhis  formed,  at  lengih,  the  ground 
of  their  slaver3^  It  was  among  one  nation  only  that  a  respite,  or 
year  of  release,  was  known  ;  and  that  one  received  the  statute 
from  heaven.  Among  others  all  means  for  the  improvement  of 
the  poor  were  neglected  ;  and,  therefore,  with  the  servility  of  the 
vassal,  disrespect  and  disgrace  were  always  connected.  Among 
the  refined  of  the  present  day,  when  pauperism  never  becomes  the 
road  to  slavery,  who  receives  the  poor  into  the  splendid  abode,  and 
welcomes  them  to  tables  of  luxurious  Hving  and  to  halls  of  festive 
song?  It  is  true,  indeed,  that  where  the  rehgion  of  Jesus  Christ 
has  shed  its  sacred  influence  and  directs  the  movements  ot  life,  in- 
stances of  this  kind  may  be  found  ;  for  whatever  of  this  exists  in 
the  world,  is  wholl}^  attributable  to  the  benevolence  of  the  Gospel. 
Its  dispensation  among  men  has  effected  a  general  change  in  so- 
ciety;  brought  men  under  sentiments  and  feelings  of  charity; 
and,  in  many  places,  established,  by  law,  munificence  to  the  poor. 
This  truth  may  be  seen  in  the  words  of  Julian,  who  was  a  bitter 
persecutor  of  the  primitive  Christians.  "  His  method  of  attack- 
ing Christianity  differed  from  that  of  his  predecessors.  The  un- 
bounded charity  of  Christians  rendered  their  system  truly  venera- 
ble and  dignified  ;  and,  therefore,  this  Tyrant  attempted  to  clothe 
Paganism  with  the  same  character.  Hence,  he  wrote  thus  to  the 
pagan  Priest:  'Let  us  consider  that  nothing  has  contributed  so 
much  to  the  progress  of  Christianity,  as  the  charity  of  its  votaries 
to  strangers.  I  think  we  ought  to  discharge  this  obligation  our- 
selves. Establish,  therefore,  hospitals  in  every  place  ;  for  it  would 
be  a  shame  for  us  to  abandon  our  poor,  while  the  Jews  have  none, 
and  while  the  Christians  not  only  provide  for  their's  but  for  our's 
also. '  "  Viewing,  therefore,  the  reformation  thus  effected  by  our 
holy  Christianity,  has  not  Jesus  Christ  brought  good  new^s  to  the 
poor  ?  has  he  not  eflfected  an  important  change  in  (heir  condition  ? 
So  different  are  the  feelings  of  the  rich  and  worldly  towards  this 
class  of  the  community  generally  from  wliat  they  were  previous  to 
the  days  of  the  blessed  Redeemer,  that  circumstances  of  real  indi- 
gence excite  pity  ;  cause  the  wealthy  to  lend  pecuniary  aid,  to 
support  Sunday-Schools,  Bible,  Missionary,  and  Tract  Societies, 


METHODIST  PULPIT. 


19 


and  every  other  association,  designed  to  meliorate  and  elevate  their 
condition.  Behold  the  efforts  now  being  made  to  give  the  Gospel 
to  the  needy,  Vv  iielher  in  barbarous  chmes  or  savage  countries. — 
Disgrfice  does  not,  necessarily,  connect  iiself  with  a  state  of  want, 
when  honesty  and  industry  are  the  characteristics  of  the  life.  The 
poor  have  civil  immrmities  and  religious  fellovvship,  due  respect, 
and  more  than  ordinary  sympathy; — all  of  which  are  wholly 
ascribable  to  the  transforming  influence  of  the  Gospel.  Shout  all 
ye  poor  and  laud  his  name  among  the  people,  for  Christ,  the  Loi'd, 
has  brought  to  you  good  news  and  glad  tidings  of  great  joy  !  " 
His  errand  to  earth  bears  a  mark  of  special  regard  to  you  ;  and,  it 
may  be,  that  as  you  are  the  more  afflicted  part  of  his  dying  chil- 
dren, like  earthly  parents,  he  bestows  most  care  where  most  is 
needed. 

In  this  divine  favor,  however,  no  designed  or  positive  neglect  to 
the  rich  is  to  be  inferred.  Promises  of  the  highest  order  and  of  the 
most  invaluable  kind  are  made  to  them.  If  you  will  become  hum- 
ble and  contrite — he,  whose  name  is  holy,  whose  habitation  is 
eternity,  will  dwell  in  your  hearts,  as  his  Temple.  Become  poor 
in  spirit,  and  your's  shall  be  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.  The  bless- 
ings of  the  Gospel  are  freely  and  fully  offered  to  all  on  the  same 
principle  and  terms  of  acceptance.  A  union  is  effected  among  men 
in  different  conditions,  and  a  peaceful  harmony  reigns  through  all 
of  the  same  birth-right  and  inheritance  though  variant  in  the  cir- 
cumstances of  their  earthly  pilgrimage.  They  are  of  one — Jesus 
Christ — of  whom  the  whole  family  of  heaven  and  earth  is  named  ; 
and  the  songs  above  are  one.  "  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  !  Salvation 
and  honor,  and  glory,  and  power  unto  the  Lord  our  God." 

2.  It  is  merciful  in  its  visitation,  because  it  heals  the  broken- 
hearted. Many  of  the  occurrences  of  the  present  state,  lie  be- 
yond the  sagacity  and  prudence  of  the  most  pious  and  circum- 
spect among  men  ;  and,  therefore,  they  cannot  be  controlled,  eith- 
er in  the  object  or  eflfect  of  their  operation.  To  such  a  state,  af- 
flictions the  most  painful  and  distressing,  heart-rending  and  op- 
pressive, is  incident.  Irregularities  and  improprieties  must  attach 
-themselves  to  the  conduct  of  man,  so  long  as  he  continues  in  hia 
depraved  and  imperfect  condition.  How  endeared  soever  any  earth- 

object,  may  be,  it  is  ever  subject  to  an  instantaneous  removal 


to  THE  SOUTHERW 


from  your  possession  or  enjoyment.  No  human  power  can  pre- 
serve its  cxisfence,  or  secure  its  fruition.  Changes  adverse  and 
ruinous  affect  the  pleasures  of  the  liappiest  circles;  and  cause  the 
high  and  lofty,  to  wander  in  poveity  and  distress,  through  the 
vale  of  wo.  How  many,  this  moment,  are  settling  under  tho 
deepest  shades  of  melancholy,  lamenting  the  departure  of  friend/C, 
relative?,  companions,  or  childien — how  many  are  mourning  un- 
der the  darkest  adversity,  the  candle  of  whose  prosperity  has  just 
heen  extinguished— how  many  are  shedding  tears  of  affliction 
atid  overwhelming  sorrow — how  many  are  sighing  in  broken- 
hearted accents  for  the  hopes  of  redemption  from  the  grave  and 
the  perdition  of  ungodly  men — how  many,  this  moment,  are  pi- 
ning away  under  reflections  painful  and  soul-distracting,  known 
only  to  themselves,  and  who  must,  soon,  in  sorrow  lie  down,  with- 
out a  solilaiy  gleam  of  hope  or  spark  of  glimmering  day.  Could 
you,  like  the  Deity,  take,  with  one  glance  of  the  eye,  a  full  view 
of  the  whole  wot  Id,  what  a  melancholy  hospital  would  open  up 
before  you, — one  as  large  as  the  eaith,  in  which  complaints  and 
disorders  of  every  kirtd  and  giude  weie  to  be  seen,  and  not  a  mo- 
nieni  would  occur  without  sighs,  groans,  cries  and  death.  What 
a  soul-stirring  spectacle!  What  an  object  of  pity  and  deep  com, 
miseraiion  !  It  was  this  that  brought  the  gre.it  Physician  of  soids 
to  earth  ;  for  they  that  be  whole  need  no  Physician,  but  they  who 
are  sick.  Aie  you  soirowlul  on  account  of  your  sins  ?  Do  the 
fears  of  death  and  the  wailings  of  the  damned  tender  you  mise- 
rable ?  Feel  you  the  wotmds  and  bruises  sin  has  made?  Heie 
is  the  Saviour,  the  tender-hearted  friend  offering  lo  heal  li.e  bro- 
ken-hearted !  Are  you  distressed,  afflicted,  bowed  down  and  wo- 
worn?  despond  not,  but  hope;  for  you  have  his  compassion  and 
njost  tender  regard.  Ktmeniber,  you  have  Him  as  a  high  Piiesf, 
touched  with  the  feelings  of  your  infirmities,  and  bidding  you  to 
come  boldly  to  a  thione  of  giace,  obtain  mercy  and  find  grace  to 
Iteip  in  lime  of  need.  Wipe  away  the  faUing  tear,  check  the 
heaving  sigh,  and  arise  foi  your  light  is  come  and  the  glory  of 
God  is  relulgeni  around  \ou.  Cel. eld  him  on  his  way  to  the  city 
of  Nain  !  A  great  multitude  is  issuing  thence,  slow ly  moving  to 
the  sound  of  death.  Over  tbat  n  ultitude  Jesus  cast  a  piising 
look,  when  liis  eye  fell  upon  one,  really  Liokea-hearted,  shedding 


METHODIST  PULPIT. 


almost,  tears  of  blood,  ns  she  followed  licr  only  son  to  the  grnvc. 
She  was  a  widow,  perhaps  hieeding  f;iill  under  the  woiindt'  of  a 
f)nTier  bere.avenienf,  and  now  |  les^-ed  down  to  earih  under  a  loss 
which  notliing  worMly  could  repair.  Her  hope  died  wiih  the  death 
of  her  only  son.  The  syinpatliies  of  the  Saviour  were  rousei' — 
he  force  1  his  way  through  the  dense  crowd  to  the  hier — shook 
death  o.T  the  young  man,  and  presented  him  once  more  a  living 
body  to  his  joyful  mother.  With  him,  Martha  and  Mary  and  his 
attending  disciples  suriound  the  grave  of  Lazatus.  See  him  lift- 
ing his  eyes  to  heaven,  and,  with  the  feelings  of  a  niost  gracious 
sympathy,  let  fall  the  tear  of  kindness  and  pity.  And  will  l.c 
overlook  you,  my  dear  reader.  Come  to  him,  but  not  (done. — 
Bring  friends,  children,  relatives — bring  the  hiohen-hearted^  and 
relief  is  yours. 

3.  U  is  powerful  in  its  operations,  because  it  frees  the  captives. 
As  all  partake  of  the  corruption  of  their  progenitors,  they  are  in  a 
state  of  bondage,  being  childien  of  wrath  and  obstinate  disobe- 
dience. Reason,  though  clear  in  iis  dictates,  being  enlightened  by 
revelation,  is  violated  in  principle  and  practice.  Conscience,  though 
stung  by  remorse,  and  fearful  in  its  anticipations,  is,  nevertheless, 
disobeyed  ;  not  because  its  impressions  are  wrong,  or  its  censures 
unjust,  but,  because  the  propensity  to  evil  is  superior  to  its  strength 
and  mightier  than  its  power.  This  fact  is  common  to  the  expe- 
rience of  man — you  have  perpetrated  a  crime,  you  have  indulged 
in  vice ;  conscience  makes  up  a  judgment  against  you ;  reason 
declares  the  whole  wrong  and  truly  criminal ;  you  resolve  on 
amendment  and  purpose  to  decline,  in  future,  the  repetition  of  the 
fault;  but  no  sooner  does  the  temptation  recur  than  the  trans- 
gression is  repeated.  At  the  time,  too,  when  the  temptation  is  ex- 
erting its  greatest  force,  reason's  voice  is  as  full  and  as  dear,  ag 
justice  and  truth  could  make  it ;  and  3^et,  with  wayward  and 
heedless  step,  you  proceed  to  dissipation  and  crime.  What  state 
is  this?  Is  this  not  bondage?  Is  not  this  being  led  captive  by 
the  devil  at  his  will  ? 

Perceiving,  as  you  must,  your  real  condition,  the  question  comes 
up  in  the  language  of  the  Saviour,  "Will  you  be  made  free''? 
"  If  the  son  shall  make  you  /ree,  you  shall  be/ree  indeed.  '*  Of 
all  revolutioas  in  Church  or  State,  in  person  or  property,  none 


THE  SOUTHERN 


equals  this  ia  importance.  Only  submit,  then,  to  the  counsel  of 
God's  unerring  word,  and  the  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and 
deliverance  will  surely  come.  These  will  correct  your  disorderly 
passions ;  sanctify  your  unhallowed  affections ;  and  subdue  the 
foe  of  inbred  corruption.  Sin  shall  no  longer  have  dominion  over 
you  ;  your  members  shall  be  made  instruments  of  righteousness 
unto  hohness  and  the  end  shall  be  everlasting  life.  The  unhal- 
lowed lust  of  the  degenerate  soul  shall  become  extinct,  the  pride 
of  life  shall  wither,  and  the  image,  formed  upon  the  soul,  shall  be 
after  God  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness.  The  law  of  the 
spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  will  free  you  from  the  law  of  sin  and 
death  ;  and  being  thus  made  free,  you  "  shall  have  fruit  unto  ho- 
liness and  the  end  everlasting  hfe  ".  The  evidence  of  this  great 
work  of  God  is  furnished  in  the  witness  of  the  Holy  Spirit  with 
yours,  that  you  are  born  of  God ;  for,  being  a  child  of  his,  you 
shall  have  the  Spirit  of  his  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  in  your  hearts,  cry- 
ing Abba,  Father.  My  dear  reader,  are  you  a  captive  of  Satan  T 
Jesus  is  speaking  to  you  this  moment !  Long  has  been  your  toil- 
some servitude,  many  and  alarming  have  been  your  fears,  and 
dreadful  is  the  end  ;  for  the  wages  of  sin  is  death  !  Will  you 
let  the  Lord  of  life  and  glory  break  the  fatal  spell,  snatch  you  from 
the  devouring  flame  and  lead  you  forth  unfettered,  unbound  and 
fully  restored  to  life  and  liberty.  Unbind,  O  Lord  !  the  sluggish 
soul,  fast  in  Satanic  chains  ! 

4.  The  mission  of  Jesus  is  benign  in  its  influence,  giving  sight 
to  the  blind.  Blindness  may  justly  be  considered  one  of  the  great- 
est misfortunes  incident  to  man.  The  highest  and  most  refined 
pleasures  of  the  present  state  are  addressed  to  the  eye,  and  through 
this  organ  affect  the  soul.  One  scene  may  present  to  the  eye  an 
assemblage  of  grand,  beautiful  and  splendid  objects — prospects^ 
pleasing,  delightful  and  enrapturing, —  notices  of  the  divine  Being, 
truly  astonishing  and  sublime.  The  Heavens,  where  oft  amid 
thick  clouds  and  dark.  Heaven's  all  ruling  Sire  chooses  to  reside, 
his  glory  unobscured  ",  afford  a  view  which  makes  the  contempla- 
tive mind  exxlaim  with  the  Psalmist  "  What  is  man,  that  thou  art 
mindful  of  him  !  " — and  with  the  Apostle  to  the  Gentiles — "The 
invisible  things  of  Him,  from  the  creation  of  the  world  are  clearly 
^«n,  being  understood  by  the  things  that  are  made,  even  bis  eternal 


METHODIST  PDLPIT. 


power  and  godhead.  "  To  be  deprived  of  this  facnlt}^,  then,  is  to 
be  deprived  of  one  of  the  Creator's  best,  gifts.  Blindncs?,  tlien, 
fitly  becomes  an  emblem  of  that  miserable  and  wretched  condiiicn 
ill  which  you  are  placed  by  nature;  for  yoii  have  eyes  and  sec 
not.  This,  however,  as  a  temporal,  or  spiiitual  disease  is  under 
the  control  of  the  great  Physician.  Eyes  ihat  hnd  never  seen  lie 
restored  to  sight,  making  them  perceive  things  in  ihcir  appropriate 
sphere  and  order.  7\t  his  word  the  laws  of  nature  ceased  to  rule, 
and  Christ  was  proclaimed  their  aiMhor.  I'lic  law,  by  which 
blindness  was  produced,  gave  up  its  authority  when  he  said  to  the 
subject,  "look  up."  To  this  truth  the  New  Testament  cleaily 
and  fully  testifies.  But  I  would  direct  your  attention  to  this,  as  a 
spiritual  disease.  Under  his  ministering  Spirit  your  minds  may 
have  the  prospect  of  things  invisible;  the  filthiness  of  the  f^esli 
and  spirit  wholly  subdued,  and  a  prevailing  disposition  to  assimi- 
late to  those  holy  and  pure  objects  upon  which  your  eyes  shall  be 
fixed.  It  is  the  declaration  of  Jesus  Christ  that  he,  who  had  seen 
hirn,  had  seen  the  Father;  and  that  no  one  knew  the  Fathcv 
but  the  Son  and  he  to  whom  the  Son  would  reveal  him  ;  but  the 
Spirit,  which  he  sends  to  every  believer's  heart,  tnakcs  him  know 
the  things,  yea,  the  deep  things  of  God  ;  for,  he  laketh  of  such 
and  showeth  theni  unto  him.  Thus  Heaven,  with  its  saints  and 
angels, — its  untold  pleasures — unimaginable  felicities,  and  resplen- 
dent glories,  is  opened  to  view.  The  voice  of  the  heavenly  mis- 
sion is  "Come  unto  me  all  ye  ends  of  the  earth — come  unto  mr, 
all  ye  who  are  weary  and  heavy-laden,  and  1  will  give  you  rest.'* 
You  are  to  be  like  him,  because  you  "  siiall  see  him  as  he  is." 
Beholding  him  with  an  open  fice,  as  in  a  .j;las?,  you  shall  be 
changed  into  the  same  image,  from  glory  to  glory  by  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord. 

5.  The  Gospel  is  tender  in  its  views,  relieving  the  bruised.  This 
is,  most  certainly,  a  very  expressive  term.  It  indicates  the  ruinous 
effects  of  sins,  both  on  the  souls  and  bodies  of  men.  The  prac- 
tices to  which  it  leads  are  disgracefid  to  the  character,  perniciou3 
to  the  body  and  destructive  to  the  sotd.  It  inipairs  the  constiiu- 
tion ;  enervates  the  mind  ;  and,  for  the  most  part,  terminates  in 
aa  untimely  and  dishonorable  grave.  Without,  however,  conEider* 
6 


THE  SOUTHERN 


ing  the  most  desperate  effects  of  sin  in  society,  contemplate  the 
afflictions  common  to  human  life.  Behold  the  gloomy  badges  of 
mourning,  hung  over  the  faces  and  covering  the  bodies  of  thou- 
sands of  your  fellow  beings,  proclaiming  death.  Its  desolations 
have  invaded  some  peaceful  family  and  struck  in  thrilling  vibra- 
tions the  chords  of  woe.  A  friend  is  gone — the  head,  the  father 
of  a  family,  has  fallen,  severing  many  of  the  strongest  and  most 
endeared  ties  of  nature — a  mother  has  made  her  adieu  in  affection- 
ate counsels  and  pious  encouragements  to  her  almost  breathless 
children  and  heart-broken  relatives — the  parting  tone  of  a  dying 
companion  has  left  its  echoes  still  lingering  about  the  ears  of  the 
survivor.  Ah  !  my  dear  reader,  could  you  in  one  view  compre- 
hend the  whole  world,  could  you  hear  the  groans  and  witness  the 
melancholy  of  millions  of  sufferers  on  its  surface  at  any  one  in- 
stant, you  would  have  a  scene  presented  which  the  strongest  im- 
agination is  incompetent  to  portray,  and  which  the  most  capacious 
and  well  instructed  mind  could  never  realize.  Thousands  in  con- 
vulsions, thousands  groaning,  crying  and  wailing,  and  hundreds 
dying.  Amid  the  confusion  and  wailings  of  such  a  scene  to  what 
would  you  be  prompted?  Would  not  a  deliverer  be  the  first 
thought  1 — the  first  inquiry,  "Who  can  alleviate  Vv'oe?  Who  can  re- 
lieve the  distressed  ?  Who  can  guard  against  the  monster  death, 
causing  so  many  fears  and  sorrows  ?  AVhat  you  thus  see  so  much 
needed  is  what  the  mission  of  the  Saviour  embraces.  He  relieves 
the  bruised.  Heai  his  declaration  to  St.  John's  disciples — "the  blind 
see,  the  deaf  hear,  the  lame  walk,  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  the  dead 
are  raised,  and  to  the  poor,  the  Gospel  is  preached."  It  is  emphat- 
ically a  relieving  of  the  bruised. 

6.  The  Gospel  is  impartial  in  its  offers,  proclaiming  the  accept- 
able year  of  the  Lord.  This  has  an  evident  allusion  to  the  year 
of  Jubilee  among  the  Jews,  the  commencement  of  which  was 
announced  by  the  sound  of  trumpets  through  the  land.  It  was 
the  time  of  general  release  to  debtors:  eiimncipation  to  servants, 
and  liberation  to  strangers;  foifeited  possessions  were  restored; 
former  trespasses  were  pardoned,  and  the  right  of  freedom  estab- 
lished to  every  citizen  ;  various  plans  of  instructions  were  attend- 
ed to;  the  illiterate  were  taught,  and  the  whole  country  rested. — 
Thus  under  the  gospel  dispensation  provision  is  made  for  the  whole 


METHODIST  PULPIT. 


25 


human  family  ;  spiritual  freedom  is  offered  to  every  man,  and  the 
right  of  life  eternal  secured  to  "every  individual  by  faith  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  The  present  auspicious  period  may  be  adver- 
ted to  as  an  evidence  of  this  truth.  The  Bible — a  book  contain- 
ing" the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowledge,  of  life  and  salvation — 
is  printed  and  given  to  the  poor ;  the  destitute  are  taken  into  Sun- 
dew-Schools and  taught  the  way  to  life  and  the  road  to  happiness  ; 
humane  societies  are  instituted  and  provision  made  for  the  poor 
and  needy  ;  missionai  ies  are  going  through  every  clime  and  to 
every  land  bearing  the  words  of  endless  life.  They  have  subver- 
ted the  altars  of  superstition,  extinguished  the  fires  of  pagan  sa- 
crifices, and  accelerated  the  universal  shout  of  Hosaniiah  to  Je- 
sus !  Soon  his  reign  shall  be  where'er  the  Sun  does  his  suc- 
cessive journeys  run."  The  Bible  Societies  in  Europe  and  Amer- 
ica have  carried  the  v-'aters  of  life  through  the  world,  and  mission- 
aries are  now  ranging  on  their  banks  through  the  whole  extent? 
crying  "  Ho  every  one  that  thirsteth  come  ye  to  the  waters." 

IT.  The  certainty  of  success  in  this  glorious  enterprise  may  be 
observed  in  the  agent  employed  : — The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  up- 
on me."'  He  was  before  time  began  its  march,  creation  received 
its  form — or  even  the  morning  stars  sang  together  and  the  angels 
of  God  shouted  for  ^oy.  When  earth's  lovely  frame  laid  deep 
merged  in  chaos,  and  no  canopy  appeared  above  studded  with 
lamps  of  golden  hue,  He  brooded  over  it — sent  forth  his  influence 
upon  it,  and  brought  creation  forth  teeming  v/ith  life.  To  him  is 
to  be  ascribed  every  moral  change  that  has  repaired  the  features 
of  depraved  man.  When  wickedness  sprang  up  in  the  earth,  and 
darkened  every  prospect  of  life,  insomuch,  that  infinite  wisdom  de- 
termined to  destroy  it— through  him  was  Christ  preached  to  the 
spirits  in  prison  in  the  days  of  Noah  during  the  forbearance  or 
long  suffering  of  God.  He  testified  to  prophets  the  sufferings  of 
Christ  and  the  glory  w^hich  should  follow,  long  before  the  advent 
of  the  Saviour,  and  caused  them  to  search  and  inquire  diligently 
what  was  thus  signified,  both  as  it  relates  to  time  and  matter  ;  and 
by  him  they  understood,  distinctly,  that  they  ministered  the  things 
which  are  now  reported  by  the  Gospel  unto  you  by  them  who 
preached  it  with  the  Holy  Ghost  sent  down  from  heaven,  which 
things  the  angels  desire  to  look  into.    As  He  directed  and  sustained 


THE  SOUTHERW 


nil  ilie  prophelp,  so  lie  did  the  Apostles  in  the  gift  and  spread  of 
Go>^pel  HimI)  ;  and  so  he  does,  still,  all  genuine  ministers  of  the 
cross..  This  is  a  qnahfication  essential  to  every  Preacher,  and 
which  no  human  accomplishments  can  supersede.  No  man  is 
called  and  commissioned  hy  Ahnighiy  God  without  if.  'j'his  is 
clear  froni  1  he  success  of  I  he  Gospel  in  f  he  worlih  At  first  it  lacked 
hmnan  aid  and  support,  heing  advocated  only  hy  a  few  poor,  illit- 
erate, uninfluential  men,  and  opposed  by  rank,  leariiing,  power, 
fjitune  and  arms.  In  every  stage  of  advance,  formidable  opposi- 
tion has  been  presented,  and  skilful  artifices  used  to  abolish  it.  Still 
it  prevails  and  triumphs  gloriously.  Enemies,  who  have  applied 
their  utmost  force,  and  exulted  in  the  prospect  of  its  utter  over- 
throw, proclaiming  their  taunting  insolence  of  crush  the  wretch^* 
lirivc  cxpiied,  met  the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire,  while  the  object 
of  their  hatred  and  violent  opposition  continues  to  flourish  and 
promises  soon  to  fill  the  wliole  earth.  A  living  ministry  is  kept 
up, — a  widening  ialluence  is  still  extending  in  broader  circles  ;  and 
the  hallowed  cross  now  appears  in  every  land,  lauded  by  almost 
every  tongue. 

To  what  will  you  attribute  this?  To  the  influence  of  human 
policy,  wliich  embraces  and  upholds  the  Church.  Sometimes,  it  is 
true,  a  union  of  Church  and  State  has  been  effected,  but  God  has 
refused  to  approve  the  junction.  In  every  instance  the  Church 
has  suffered  loss,  and  much  mischief.  AVherever  the  disunion  has 
been  most  perfect,  the  prosperity  has  been  greatest ;  and  this,  too, 
where  the  opposition  has  been  formidable.  Then,  it  is  the  minis- 
try that  has  borne  the  ark  along,  and  given  it  a  location  in  every 
part  of  this  world's  wide  dominions  ?  No  !  No  !  It  is  the  Spirit  of 
God  in  the  ministry.  To  Him  are  the  concerns  of  the  Church 
consigned.  He  has  the  conducting  of  it  through  the  sea,  as  well 
as  the  wilderness  ;  and  he  preserves  her  in  the  midst  of  fires  as 
that  emblem,  the  burning  bush,  beautifully  exemplifies. 

Vain  are  the  thoughts  of  successful  opposition  to  Christianity. 
Can  the  hand  be  held  in  the  fire  and  thus  quench  it?  Can  mortal 
ai!ii  turn  the  stars  out  of  their  courses?  or  shake  the  Sun  from 
liis  centre,  or  extinguish  his  rays  in  the  dust  of  earth  ?  When  this 
is  done  you  may  entertain  fears  that  your  Redeemer's  cause  will 
Jioi  succeed.    For,  surely,  the  power  which  keeps  the  sun  and 


METHODIST  PULPIT. 


27 


Stars  in  their  respective  spheres,  is  adequate  to  the  accoinplishinent 
of  every  purpose  which  he  intends  to  efrett;  and,  as  it  is  tlie  same 
which  sustains  the  christian  system,  you  niay  as  well  calculate  on 
success  in  opposing  one  as  in  oi)posiiig  the  other.  It  is  the  Spirit 
of  God  that  gives  success  to  Christianiiy. 

As  this  is  the  cause  of  God  you  cannot  hesitate  in  giving  it  aid 
nnd  suppoit,  as  he  has  made  it  boih  your  privilege  and  duty.  You 
may  not  object  on  the  ground  of  giving  support  to  what  is  inefti- 
cient  or  useless.  All  the  good  now  in  the  world  has  been  done  by 
<he  Gospel  of  the  Son  of  God  ;  and  efiected,  too,  sometimes  under 
circumstances  entirely  opposed  and  formidable  in  the  opposition. 
AV'hat  but  this  could  ever  have  tamed  the  savage  heart,  and  civil- 
ized Indian  Tribes?  Means  and  measuies  of  another  kind  iiave 
been  resorted  to,  and  long  tiied  without  effect.  The  Gcspel  only, 
as  the  power  of  God,  has  been  adequate  to  the  great  object.  While, 
therefore,  you  are  certain  of  not  contributing  to  an  improper  cause, 
you  must,  at  the  sanie  time,  be  sensible  of  the  great  favor  confer- 
red on  you  by  Almighty  God  in  permit  ling  you  to  unite  with  h'lm 
in  this  mighty  work  of  the  world's  recovery.  Will  you  unite  with 
him  ?  Will  you  do  yomselves  the  honor  of  being  helpers  iii  this 
cause  of  life  and  salvation  ? 

Take  another  view  of  this  subject.  Consider  what  it  is  de- 
signed, and  what  it  is  competent  to  effect — not  merely  possibly, 
but  certainly.  Facts  already  adduced  and  submitted  demonstrate 
it.  It  gives  the  Gospel  to  the  poor ;  heals  the  broken-hearted  ;  de- 
livers the  captive ;  restores  sight  to  the  blind  ;  recovers  the  bruised, 
and  proclaims  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord  to  the  whole  world. 
An  object  of  this  character  commends  itself,  by  its  own  merits,  to  the 
patronage  of  every  individual  possessing  any  portion  of  the  milk  of 
human  kindness.  Pass  in  review  a  scene  which  presents  all  these 
characters  in  real  life;-— the  poor  in  his  tattered  raiment,  his  meagre 
look  and  plaintive  tone,  asking  a  morsel  to  sustain  animal  life— -the 
broken-hearted  bewailing  his  condition,  moping  awhile,  and  then 
with  distressing  mein,  asking  relief,— the  captive,  fast  bound  in 
chains,  far  from  his  country,  his  friends  and  his  family,— the  blind 
groping,  with  viewless  gaze,  along  the  streets,— the  bruised  in  pain 
and  sore  affliction,  calling  for  aid  from  some  kind  and  friendly 
hand — ^would  yoii— could  you  refuse  ?    How  much  worse  must 


THi:  SOUTHERN 


the  condition  be,  when  these  are  only  eniiblematical  of  a  spiritual 
disease,  which  makes  the  soul  offensive  to  God,  and  exposes  it  to 
the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire  ?  And  here  are  means  prescribed  by 
God  himself.    Can  you  refuse  ? 

Reflect,  that  as  christians  none  of  ud  live  to  ourselves,  and  no 
man  dieth  unto  himself ;  for  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the 
Lord,  or  whether  we  die,  we  die  unto  the  Lord  ;  whether  we  live, 
therefore,  or  die,  we  are  the  Lord's;  for  to  this  end  Clnist  both 
died,  arose  and  revived  that  he  might  be  Lord  both  of  the  dead 
and  the  living.  Like  Moses,  keep  an  eye  fixed  on  the  great  re- 
compense of  reward.  Lay  up,  now,  a  good  foundation  against  the 
lime  to  comcj  that  ye  may  be  able  to  lay  hold  on  eternal  life.— 
Amen, 


METHODIST  PULPIT, 


33 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 


A  CHAPTER  OF  CHRONICLES. 

Our  limits  compel  iis  to  be  brief  in  our  notices  of  Ecclesiastical 
proceedings.  We  could  wish  to  trace  more  particularly  the  history 
of  the  discussions  which  were  had  at  the  late  Pittsburgh  General 
Conference,  but  these  will  have  been  furnished  our  readers  in  the 
weekly  papers  of  the  Church.  More  for  preservation  than  any 
thing  else,  and  purposely  endeavoring  to  avoid  every  expression 
of  opinion  calculated  to  excite  controversy,  we  give  a  very  straight 
analysis  of  the  main  points  in  the  history  of  our  Southern  Church, 
from  the  session  of  the  General  Conference  in  1844  to  the  rise  of 
the  Pittsburgh  Conference  in  1848. 


THE  GENERAL  CONFERENCE  OF  1844. 

The  Necessity  of  iSeparaiion.  At  the  General  Conference 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  1844,  it  was  found  that  the 
sentiments  of  the  Northern  and  Southern  portions  of  the  Church 
were  so  opposed  upon  the  subject  of  slavery  that  unless  some  plan 
of  reconciliation  could  be  adopted  the  external  unity  of  our  de- 
nomination in  this  country  could  not  be  preserved.  A  committee 
of  six,  three  Northern  and  three  Southern  miCmbers,  was  appointed 
to  confer  with  the  Bishops  upon  the  possibility  of  adopting  some 
such  plan,  but  the  result  of  their  deeply  important  deliberation  was 
the  conviction  that  no  plan  could  be  adopted  which  would  harmo- 
nize the  conflicting  sections  of  tlie  Church.  The  failure  of  the 
attempt  to  compromise  was  followed  by  the  proceedings  in  the  case 
of  Bishop  Andrew  with  which  it  is  to  be  presumed  all  our  readers 
arc  sufficiently  familiar. 


§4 


THE  SOUTHERW 


The  Declaration.  Immediately  upon  tlie  aciion  in  the  caso 
of  Bijiliop  Andrew,  Dr.  Longstreef,  in  belialf  of  the  Southern 
and  Soulh- Western  Conferences,  presented  tlie  following  Ueclara- 
lion 

Tlie  delegates  of  the  Conferences  in  the  slavcholding  States, 
take  leave  to  declare  to  tlie  General  (conference  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  that  tlie  continual  agitation  of  the  subject  of 
slaver}'  and  abolition  in  a  portion  of  the  Ciiurch,- — liie  frequent 
action  on  that  subject  in  the  General  Confeience,— -and  especially 
the  .extra-judicial  proceedings  against  Bishop  Andi  ew,  which  le- 
suited,  on  Saturday  last,  in  the  virtual  suspension  of  him  froim  his 
office  as  superintendent,—- must  produce  a  state  of  things  in  the 
Soulh  which  renders  a  continuance  of  the  jurisdiction  of  (hat 
General  Conference  over  these  Conferences  inconsistent  with  the 
success  of  the  ministry  in  the  slaveholding  States."  Signed  by 
the  delegates  from  14  Conferences.  The  next  day  the  solemn 
"  Protest  of  the  Southern  Delegates  "  was  read  by  Dr.  Bascom, 
It  is,  of  course,  too  long  for  our  limits. 

The  Plan  of  Separation.  Two  days  subsequently,  a  com- 
mittee of  nine  reported  a  Plan  of  Separaiion  embodied  in  twelve 
Resolutions.  ^J'he  1st  provides  the  boundary  line ;  the  2d 
that  ministers  of  every  grade  may  aUach  themselves  to  either 
Church  "  without  blame  the  3d  lecommends  the  change  of 
the  0th  restrictive  article ;  the  4th  proviiles  that,  upon  the  altera- 
tion of  that  article,  the  Agents  of  tlie  Church,  North,  deliver  over  to 
the  Agent  of  the  Southern  Church  ''all  notes  and  hook  accounts 
against  the  ministers.  Chinch  members,  or  citizens,  within  its 
boundaries,  with  authority  to  collect  the  same  for  the  sole  use  of 
the  Southern  Church"  and  that  the  Agents  transfer  the  presse?, 
printing  offices,  e^c,  at  the  South  to  the  appointee  of  the  Southern 
Church  ;  5th,  that  the  capital  stock  be  divided  in  the  proportion 
borne  by  the  number  of  the  travellifig  preachers  in  the  Southern 
to  the  number  of  the  travelling  preachers  in  the  Northern  Church  ; 
6th,  the  mode  of  transfer  of  the  properly  "and  until  the  payments 
are  made,  the  Southern  Church  shall  share  in  all  the  riett  profits 
of  the  Book  Concern  ;"  7th,  that  Geo.  Peck,  N.  Bangs,  and  James 
B.  Finley,  be  Commissioners  to  act  with  the  same  number  of 
rx)mmissioner6  appointed  by  the  Southern  organization  ;  8tb,  that. 


Mr:Ti^ODIST  PULPIT. 


whenever  any  agents  of  the  Southcrri  Church,  arc  clothed  wiili  le- 
gal aulhoriiy,  tlic  Agcnis  in  New  York  shculd  so  co-opcralc  wilh 
f.lieni  as  to  give  these  resohilions  a  legally  binding  cllcct :  9ih.,  that 
all  propeity  of  whrilever  kind  wiiliin  the  limits  of  (he  Soniliern 
organization  should  he  free  of  any  ciaini  set  up  by  the  M.  E. 
Churci)  ;  10th,  that  the  Soutli  should  have  connnon  right  to  ail 
copy-rights  i«i  possSvS^ion  of  the  Book  Concern  ;  llth,  that  the 
Southern  Churcii  be  compensated  for  its  poriiun  of  the  Chartered 
Fund  ;  12th,  that  the  Bishops  !;iy  the  3d  resoluiioii  before  the 
Antuial  Conferences  for  tlieir  action. 

LouLwille  Convention.  Upon  the  adjournment  of  the  Gene- 
ral Conference,  the  Southern  delegates  icconiiriended  to  tjjc  Con- 
ferences ihey  had  represented  the  propriety  of  holding  a  Conven- 
tion in  fiouisville,  on  ilie  1st  of  May,  1S45.  These  Conferences 
endorsed  the  Declaration  of  their  Delegates  and  also  p:occeded  ac- 
cording to  tlieir  reconnnendation,  to  elect  delegates  to  the  Louis- 
ville Convention.  Tlfis  Convention  accorthngly  met  and  (ho 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Soutl),  was  organized,  according  lo 
the  Plan  of  Separation. 

The  Peter sharg  General  Conference.  Upon  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  Louisville  Convention,  tlic  fir-t  General  Confer- 
ence of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  was  lield  in  the 
town  of  Petersburg,  May,  184G.  At  (hat  Conference,  the  ,Kev. 
John  Eaily  win  appointed  to  receive  the  pro;:c;!y  to  be  tr<insferrjd 
by  the  Church,  North,  and  Drs.  BascotT!,  Green,  and  Latta,  (o 
confer  with  the  committee  appoinied  by  tlie  Norlliern  Clinrch  ac- 
cording to  the  7ih  Resolution  cf  (ho  Viu.u  of  Separation.  Dr.  Lo- 
vick  Pierce,  of  Georgia,  was  appointed  to  convey  tr.c  christiaii 
salutations  of  the  Southern  Church  to  the  Northcrii  Church  at  it.3 
next  General  Conference. 


PITTSBURGH  GENERAL  CONFERENCE. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Pierce,  the  Rev.  John  Earlv,  and  the  Rev.  Drs. 
Bascorn,  Green,  and  Parsons,  (the  last  in  the  place  of  Dr.  Lalta.) 
were  in  PiUsburgh  during  the  session.     We  shall  as  nearly  as 
7 


36 


THE  SOUTHERN 


possible,  present  the  liislory  of  the  action  of  that  body  upon  mat- 
ters pertaining-  to  the  South. 

1.  Dr.  Piercers  Letter,  The  general  tenor  of  this  letter  was 
simply  to  announce  the  writer  as  a  delegate  of  the  Sontiiern  Meth- 
odist E.  Church,  and  to  tender  fraternal  salutations  with  proposals- 
for  establishing  peaceful  relations  between  the  two  Churches. 

2.  Report  of  the  Cor-niittee  on  the  State  of  the  Church 
{composed  of  two  from  eacJi,  delegation.) 

*'  Whereas^  a  letter  from  Rev  L.  Pierce,  D.  D.,  Delegate  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  South,  proposing  fraternal  relations  between  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church  and  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  has  been  presented  to  thia 
Conference,  and  whereas  there  are  serious  questions  and  difficulties  existing  be- 
tween the  two  bodies;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  while  wo  tender  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Pierce  all  personal  courtesies^ 
and  invite  him  to  attend  our  sessions,  this  General  Conference  does  not  consider  it 
proper,  at  present,  to  enter  iato  fraternal  relations  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  South. 

(Signed)  Peck,  Chairman. 

3.  Dr,  Piercers  Reply. 

To  the  Bishops  and  Members^  of  the  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Brethren, — I  lave  received  two  extracts  from  your  journal  of 
the  4th  and  5th  inst.  From  these  extracts  I  learn  you  decline  recognizing  me  in 
my  proper  character  as  the  accredited  delegate  of  the  Methodiist  Epii-copal  Church, 
and  only  invite  rae  to  a  seat  within  the  bar  as  due  to  me  on  account  of  my  private 
and  personal  merits.  These  considerations  I  shall  appreciate,  and  will  rec  procate 
them  in  all  the  private  walks  of  Christian  and  social  life.  But  within  the  bar  of 
the  Geneial  Conference,  I  shall  only  be  known  in  my  official  character. 

You  will  therefore  regard  this  cornmuuicaliou  as  final,  on  the  part  of  the  Meth- 
odi.>t  Episcopal  Church,  South.  She  can  never  renew  the  offer  of  fraternal  r»la- 
tions  between  the  two  great  bodies  of  Wesleyan  Methodists  in  the  United  States. 
But  the  proposition  can  be  renewed  at  any  time,  ether  now  or  hereafter,  by  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  And  if  ever  made  upon  the  bat-is  of  the  Plan  of 
Separation,"  as  adopted  by  the  General  Conference  of  1848,  the  Church,  South 
will  cordially  entertain  the  proposition. 

With  sentiments  of  deep  regret,  and  with  feelings  of  disappojated  hope,  I  am 
yours,  iu  Christian  fellowship,  L  Pierce. 

Delegate  from  the  M.  E.  Church,  South. 

Pittsburgh,  May  9,  1848. 

4.  The  Commissioners.  On  tlie  eleventh  day  P.  P.  Sandford 
presented  a  communication  from  the  Conuiiissioneis  of  the  Meth- 
odist E.  Church,  South,  preferring  the  claims  of  that  Church  to  a 
division  of  the  property  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and 


METHODIST  PULPIT. 


Oilier  matter?,  signed  by  A.  L.  P.  Green,  C.  B.  ParsonF,  L.  Pierce, 
and  J.  l^.niy. 

So  nuicli  of  tliid  docume^it  as  pcrtaiiied  to  tlio  j.roperfy  ques- 
tion, was  referred  lo  liie  coniniiiiee  on  (lie  Stale  of  the  (,'lmrcli. 

Subsequently  G.  Peck  presented  tiie  following,  which  was  read 
and  adopted,  wiili  insiructions  to  appoint  a  sub-comuiittee  of  iheir 
own  number  to  confer  with  the  Southern  CommissionerF,  or  to  in- 
vite them  into  the  committee  for  tliat  purpose,  as  their  own  judg- 
ment might  dictate. 

The  Comniittee  on  the  State  of  the  Church  beg  leave  further 
to  report  in  part: 

1st.  Tlicit  they  have  had  under  consideration  a  communication 
from  the  Conmiissioners  of  the  Meihodist  E.  Church,  South,  in 
relation  to  a  division  of  the  property  of  the  Cook  Concern,  and 
<yharleied  Fund;  and  they  cannot  act  advisedly  upon  the  com- 
muiiicaiion  in  question  until  they  receive  the  official  reports  of  all 
■the  Annual  Conferences  in  relatit.n  to  the  change  of  the  Cih  Re- 
strictive ride,  as  reconmiended  by  the  last  Geneial  Conference. 

2nd.  The  Committee  would  ask  the  atiteniion  of  the  Confer- 
ence to  the  necessity  of  an  order  pointing  out  some  plan  of  Con- 
ference with  the  aforesaid  Commissioners — either  by  appi  inting  a 

committee  of  to  confer  with  the  Commissioners  and  report 

the  result  to  this  Conference,  or  by  authorizing  the  Committee  on 
the  Slate  of  ihe  Church  to  invite  them  to  a  conference.  The 
former  plan  would  save  time,  and  would,  in  the  judgment  of  your 
tCommiiiee  be  preferable. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

George  Peck,  Chairman. 

This  matter  was  committed  to  the  C9mmitlee  on  the  State  of 
the  Church  who  had  an  informal  conversation  witli  the  South- 
ern Commissioners,  which  was  unsatisfactory  and  amounted  to 
.no  official  action. 

5.  Bishop  Soide.  It  is  well  known  that  this  venerable  man 
had  been  threatened  with  charges  for  mal  administration  during 
the  two  years  he  was  in  connexion  with  the  Northern  Church. — 
He  presented  himself  to  the  Conference  and  requested  tiiat  if  any- 
such  charges  existed  they  might  be  investigated  and  liberty  given 
^him  to  defend  himself.    After  considerable  discussion  it  was  re- 


38 


THE  SOUTHERN 


solved  that  that  Conference  ••'luad  no  jiirisdiclion  over  ! he  Rev, 
Bisljop  SoLile,  and  can  exercise  no  ecclesiastical  authority  over 
him." 

G.  The,  Flan  of  Separation.  The  fate  of  this  Plan  may  be 
read  in  the  fallowing  Rcpcjt  : 

WhcrcTS,  I\Iemoria!s  have  b?ca  prescntpcl  to  tho  General  Conference  from 
miny  persons  in  various  paits  of  Kentucky,  lMissouri»  Hiid  Arkansas,  settin';  forth 
th'it  they  were  rnfmbers  of  th«  IMettiodist  Episcopal  Chuich,  butlliat  without  any 
act  or  choice  of  their  own,  ihcy  have  been,  ihronph  the  practical  woikings  of  tho 
60-cared  Plan  of  Separation,  adopted  by  tho  last  General  Conf^•rencc,  deprived  of 
the  min'sterial  services  of  said  Church,  and  have  been  refused  recognition  as  mera- 
hers  of  the  ^Icthodist  Episcopal  Church  by  the  authoiities  of  said  Church,  anc  ear- 
nestly praying  hat  ihis  General  Conference  would  remove  any  barrier  aga  net  their 
recognition  us  rncmtcrs,  and  would  si;pply  them  again  w  ih  tho  ministry  of  saicj 
Church  :  Therefore,  tliis  General  Conference  makes  the  foliovving  declaration  : 

1.  There  exists  no  power  in  the  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Epiecopal 
Church  to  passs  any  act  which,  cither  direcily  or  indirectly,  efftctuates,  authorizes, 
or  sanctions  a  division  of  said  Church. 

2.  It  is  tho  right  of  evc^y  member  of  tho  INIelhodist  Episcopal  Church  to  remain 
in  said  Church,  unless  guilty  of  tho  violation  of  its  rules,  and  there  exist  no  pow- 
er in  the  ministry,  either  individually  or  collectively,  to  deprive  any  member  of  eaid 
right. 

3.  This  right  being  inviolably  secured  by  tho  llfth  restrictive  article  of  the  Dis- 
c'pline,  which  guatentees  *,o  members,  ministers,  and  preachers,  tho  right  of  trial 
and  appeal,  any  act  of  tho  Church  otherwise  fccparating  them  from  said  Church, 
contravenes  the  constitutional  rights  and  privileges  of  the  membership  and  ministry. 

4.  Tho  report  of  the  Select  Committee  of  Nine,  nn  the  declaration  of  the  dele- 
gates in  the  slave-holding  States,  adopted  by  the  General  Conference  of  1844,  of 
which  tho  memorialists  complain,  and  the  operation  of  which  deprives  them  cf  their 
privileges  as  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  was  intened  to  meet  a 
necessity  which  it  was  alleged,  might  arise,  and  was  given  as  a  peace-offering  to 
Bccure  harmony  on  our  Southern  border. 

It  w-is  further  made  dependent,  first  upon  tho  concurrence  of  three-fourths  of  tho 
moriibers  of  the  several  AnnuaJ  Conferences,  in  reference  to  a  part  of  its  regula- 
lioDS  ;  and  secondly,  upon  the  observance  of  ceitain  provisions  respecting  a  boun- 
dary, by  tho  distinct  ecclesiastical  connection  separating  from  us,  should  such  con- 
nection be  formed. 

Without  waiting,  as  this  Conference  believes,  for  the  occurrence  of  the  antici- 
pated necessity,  for  v.rhich  the  Plan  was  framed,  action  was  taken  in  the  premises 
by  the  Southern  delegates  :  and  tho  Annual  Conferences,  by  their  votes  officially 
jeceived,  have  refusal  to  concur  with  that  part  of  tho  Plan  which  was  submitted 
to  Ihtm  ;  and  the  provisims  respecting  a  boundary,  hc:ve  been  violated  by  the  high- 
est authorities  of  said  connection,  which  separated  from  us,  and  thereby,  the  peace 
Bttd  harmony  of  many  of  the  societies  in  our  Southern  border,  have  been  destroyed. 

Therefore,  in  view  of  these  facts,  as  well  as  for  the  principles  contained  in  th« 


METHODIST  PCLPIT. 


59 


preceiino;  declarations,  there  exists  no  obligation,  on  the  part  of  this  Conference,  to 
observe  the  provisions  of  sai'l  plan,  and  it  is  hereby  declared  null  and  void. 

7.  The  Propert!/  Qaestinii.  The  decision  of  tlii=>  question  is 
plausible,  buL  it.  asks  tiic  Souili  to  abar.don  ibe  Plan  of  Separa- 
tion, upon  which  alone  ii,  can  l);ii^c  r.ny  Ipgal  claim  to  the  proper- 
ty. This  will  probably  be  yuITkient  lo  desiroy  its  practicability. 
AVe  present  the  resolutions  enibodying  the  plan  su^^gested  by  the 
Northern  General  Confeiencc,  and  with  them  we  close  this  chap- 
ter of  our  chronicles  of  the  Church. 

1.  Resolved,  by  the  delegates  of  the  several  Annual  Conferences  of  the  Meth- 
odi>t  Episcopal  Church,  in  General  Conference  assembled,  That  we  hereby  au- 
thorize the  Book  Agents  at  New  York  and  at  Cincinnati  to  offer  to  submit  said 
claims  to  the  decision  of  disinterested  ai biters  ;  provided,  that  if  said  Agents,  oil 
the  advice  of  eminent  legal  counsel,  thai!  be  satisfied  that  when  clothed  with  all 
the  authority  which  the  General  Conference  can  confer,  their  corporate  powers 
will  not  warrant  ihem  to  submit  said  claims  to  arbitration,  this  resolution  shall  not 
be  binding  on  them. 

2.  Resolved,  That  should  the  Agents  find,  upon  taking  such  legal  counsel,  that 
they  have  not  the  power  to  submit  the  case  to  a  voluntary  aibitrdtion,  and  shou'd 
a  suit  at  law  be  commenced  by  tlie  Commissioners  of  the  M.  E.  Ciiuich,  South,  said 
Agents  are  hereby  authorized  then  and  in  that  case  to  tender  to  said  Commissioners 
an  adjustment  of  their  preferred  claims  by  a  legal  arbitration,  under  the  authority 
of  the  court. 

3.  Resolved,  That  should  the  Agents  find  that  they  are  not  outhorized  to  tender 
a  voluntary  aibitration,  and  should  no  suit  be  commenced  by  the  Commissioners 
afore' aid,  ihen  and  in  tl  at  case,  the  General  Conference,  being  exceedingly  desi- 
rous of  efi'-cting  an  amicable  settlement  of  said  claim,  recon  mend  to  the  Annual 
Conferences  so  far  to  suspend  the  "sixth  Restr.ctivo  rule"  rf  the  Disci|iline,  as  to  au 
thorize  our  Book  Agents  at  New  York  and  Cincinnati  to  submit  said  claim  to  arbi- 
tration. 

4.  Resolved,  That  in  the  occurrence  of  the  above  specified  contingencies,  the 
Bishops  are  rG:iuested  to  lay  the  foregoing  resolution  before  the  Annual  Conferen- 
ces for  their  concurrence. 


RANDOLPH  MACON  COLLEGE. 

The  annual  Commencement  of  this  Institution  look  place  on 
the  14th  of  June,  and  was  largely  attended.  Tlie  Address  be- 
fore the  two  Literary  Societies  was  deliveied  by  Major  Lrinkard, 
Editor  of  the  Petersbmg  Republican,  who,  upon  extremely  shoit 
notice,  acquitted  himself  in  a  manner  highly  satisfactory  to  the 
Societies  and  to  his  numerous  friends.    The  Rev.  Thos.  H.  Rus- 


40  THK  SOUTHERN 

j-ell,  of  Suniplerville,  S.  C,  addressed  the  As?ccia(ed  TMiinuii  of 
the  Colleije.  We  have  seldom  met  a  gemleman  more  riclily  fur- 
nished with  flie  elements  of  eloquence  than  Mr.  R^issell,  and  have 
seldonj  heard  so  h)ng  a  speecli  as  his  hstened  to  sviiJi  9o  much  ap- 
parent pleasure.  Boih  these  adihesses  will  be  pidilished.  Ten 
yonng  men  received  (he  degree  of  A.  B.  'J'he  Honorary  Degree, 
of  A.  M.  was  conferred  upon  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Jenkins,  Mis- 
sionary to  China,  and  upon  the  Kev.  Willianis  P.  Davis.  Principal 
of  the  Preparatory  School  of  the  College.  The  friends  of  I  Ills 
Institution  throughout  the  Church  will  rejoice  to  hear  of  its  biight- 
'Cning  prospects. 

EMORY  AND  HENRY  COLLEGE. 

We  have  received  the  Catalogue  of  this  Ittstilution  for  the  cur- 
Tent  year,  from  which  it  appears  that  there  are  in  aiteru'ancc  55 
Regidar,  56  Irregidar,  uud  53  Preparing  Students,  making  in  all 
164.  This  Institution  is  situated  in  Washingtcn  Co.,  Ya.,  and 
in  addition  to  the  regular  College  has  a  Manual-labor  department 
fConnected  with  it,  in  which  the  students  may  he  employed  at  their 
fOwn  option.  The  Faculty  consists  of  the  following  gentlemen : 
Rev.  Charles  Collins,  A.  M.,  President,  and  Professor  of  Moral 
^nd  Mental  Science;  Rev.  Ephraim  E.  Wiley,  A.  M.,  Professor  of 
Ancient  Languages  and  Literatuie;  Edmund  Longley,  A.  M., 
S^rofessor  of  Mathematics,  and  teacher  of  Modern  Liuiguages* 
John  A.  Davis,  A.  B.,  Tutor. 


PULPIT. 


41 


OUR  REVIEW  DEPARTMENT. 


Elements  of  Divinity :  or  a  course  of  Lectures,  comprising  a  clear 
and  concise  view  of  the  system  of  theology  as  taught  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures ;  vifk  approiiriate  questions  appended  to  each  Lecture, 
By  the  Rev.  Thomas  N.  Ralston,  A.  M.  Louisville,  Ky*  Published 
by  MiYTton  <S^  Griswold,  1847.    8  vo.  pp.  463. 

The  appearance  of  so  large  a  work  on  such  a  subject  as  this 
should  call  for  a  Review  demanding  ampler  room  than  ihis  period- 
ical allows.  We  mustconlent  ourselves  with  asking  the  attention 
of  our  brethren  to  the  book,  hoping  they  will  examine  it  for  them- 
selves. The  author  of  this  work  is  a  distinguished  member  of  the 
Kentucky  ConferencCj  who  has  devoted  the  industry  of  several 
years  to  its  production.  It  consists  of  xxxii  Lectures  upon  the 
great  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  written  in  a  plain  and  easy  style^ 
with  questions  appended  to  each  Lecture.  Of  course  the  author 
had  not  room,  nor  did  it  enter  into  his  design  to  produce  a  wok 
examining  every  question  as  minutely  as  Watson  has  done.  In 
his  department  we  hold  Watson  unrivalled  ;  and  yet  from  what 
we  have  heard  of  the  difficulties  private  members  of  the  Churchy 
young  ministers,  and  students  of  Divinity,  have  met  in  reading 
Watson,  we  have  been  led  to  believe  tliat  just  such  a  work  as 
Brother  Ralston's  was  a  desideratum  among  us.  We  inost  hear- 
tily recommend  it  as  a  plain  and  well  arranged  compend  of  Gospel 
truth,  and  as  being  an  excellent  introduction  to  more  extensive 
works  upon  the  subject.  The  teachers  of  Bible  classes  will  firid 
it  a  well  furnished  store-house  ;  and  we  should  be  gratified  afeo  to 
see  it  gaining  an  extensive  circulation  among  our  Methodist  fam- 
ilies. The  head  of  each  family  in  the  Church  should  have  at 
least  one  book  in  his  house  containing  a  well  digested  system  of 
the  truths  which  he  believes  to  be  taught  ir>  the  Bible.  If  every 
preacher  in  the  connexion  would  see  that  every  family  in  hi» 


42  THK  sorTHr.Rx 


charge  had  such  a  work  there  would  he  more  intellifrenf,  re!i"',oii 
among  u«.  more  who  could  "give  a  reason  of  (he  hope  tluM  is  \\y 
them."  With  a  view  to  this  we  rccomiYiend  Biotlicr  Rals\on's 
^'Elemenl?."    It  is  for  sale  hy  the  Agent?  of  the  M.  E.  Chuuh. 


The  Life  and  Times  of  llie  Rev.  Jesse.  Lee.  hy  Leroy  M.  Lre^  D.  D. 
lliehmond,  Va.  Publishc-l  htj  John  Early,  for  the  Melhodi^t  EjAs- 
copal  Churchy  Sou:h.  1843. 

The  character  of  (he  suhjecf,  the  ahility  of  the  author  and  the 
typograpliical  elegance  of  this  hook,  wili  give  it  a  wide  circulation. 
Jesse  Lee  left  liis  niaik  as  well  on  the  Ai^ierican  people  as  a  na- 
tion as  upon  the  Chuich  of  which  he  was  a  distinguislied  minis- 
ter. His  travels  North  and  Souiii  were  extensive  and  his  lahors 
abtmdarit.  The  uiiier  of  this  woik  lias  had  amj)Ie  niatcriids^, 
has  "taken  his  lime,"''  and  has  j)io(k!crd  a  hook'  destined  to  he  «i 
perpetual  standard  in  AmcMcnn  Methodist  literature.  We  admire 
no  less  the  delicacy  with  which  lie  ligs  handled  liis  suhject  than 
the  industry  and  disciimiiKiiion  witli  wliich  we  know  lie  has  used 
his  materials  in  ftn-nisfiiiig  a  hook  whicli  will  be  the  deliglu  of 
thousands  of  Methodist  readers,  fur  generations  to  come. 


An  Appeal  to  Reason  and.  Srripfurp^  asainst  the  errors  set  forth  hy  ihe 
Rev  Mr.  Pryor,  in  his  Sennons  on  ^'Ehciion.  Rcproh  ilian  and 
Final  Persereranrc  :  by  Rev.  Jus.  E.  Joyner.  of  the  Virginia  CoU' 
ference.    Richmond.    Pri  iied  at  the  Methodist  Office.  1348. 

The  sermons  of  the  Kev.  "^riieodore  Pryor  wcie  delivered  at 
Nottoway  C.  H.,  Va.,  in  1S41.  Recently  they  have  re-appearcd 
and  have  been  circulated,  accompanied  hy  the  taunt  that  the 
Methodists  were  afraid  to  reply.  Brother  Joyner,  who  travelled 
that  circuit  last  year,  has  taken  the  matter  in  hand  and  in  a  very 
spirited  pamphlet  of  58  pages  has  administered  a  good  tempered 
and  very  sensible  rebuke  to  the  sermons  of  Mr.  Pryor.  This 
pamphlet  ought  to  be  circulated  by  our  Methodist  brethren  wher- 
ever Mr.  Pryor's  sermons  have  gone. 


METHODIST  PULPIT. 


43 


An  Earnest  Appeal  to  the  True  Church  of  Scotland  on  the  svhjrct  of 
its  Ecouomirs.    By  the  Rev.  Thomas  Chajiiers,  />.  D.  PhiladeU 
j)hia.    Preshi/lcrian  Board  of  Fublication.  1847. 
An  p.arnest  appeal !    Did  ever  Dr.  Chalmers  do  anything  wiih- 
oiil  earnesine.^s,  fioni  playing  wiih  a  babe  or  a  kitten  to  taking 
his  seat  on  the  throne  God  had  prepared  for  him  ?    AVe  see  that 
some  benevolent  American  Presbyterian  has  provided  means  for 
sending  a  copy  of  this  pamplet  to  every  minister  of  Jiis  Church  in 
(his  countr3^    We  wish  wc  were  able  to  send  a  copy  to  every 
Methodist  minister.    Notliing  has  so  tended  to  retard  Methodism 
as  her  defective  Economics.    We  have  proposed  ever  since  last  year 
to  bring  this  pamphlet  more  fully  to  the  notice  of  our  Church,  but 
we  have  neither  time  nor  room  just  now. 

Vindication  of  the  Order  if  the  Sons  of  Temperance ;  embracing  its 
Origin,  Nature,  Dengn,  Adcantases,  and  Progress.  By  Philip  S. 
White  and  Ezra  Stiles  Elu,  D.  D.    12  mo.,  pp.  48. 

Tills  is  a  neatly  printed  pampiilet  from  the  press  of  Oliver  & 
Brother,  the  enterprizing  publishers  of  the  iSew  York  Organ.  We 
Iiave  read  this  vindication  with  pleasure.  It  is  w'ritten  in  a  good 
spirit  and  with  much  ability.  For  ourselves  we  have  for  some 
lime  been  convinced  that  the  Order  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance 
is  incomparably  th.e  most  effective  organization  for  purposes  of 
Temperance  Reform  of  all  societies  that  have  hitherto  sohcited 
the  co-operation  of  benevolent  christian  men.  But  there  are  those 
who  have  prejudices  against  the  Order.  Let  them  send  for  this 
little  pamphlet  and  read  it  carefully.  Men  ought  not  to  denounce 
what  they  do  not  understand,  and  we  cannot  conceive  how  any 
man  who  is  really  anxious  to  do  good  every  way,  with  both  hands, 
mightily,  can  hear  a  fair  statement  of  the  objects  and  methods  of 
the  Order  without  resolving  to  abstain  from  opposing,  if  he  does 
not  resolve  to  give  it  all  the  might  of  his  influence. 

The  pamphlet  before  us  gives  a  brief  but  appalling  history  of 
intemperance  in  our  country,  of  the  early  elFoits  to  suppress  it,  and 
of  the  Order  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance,  an  organization  which 
has  existed  only  since  the  year  1842.  The  reader  will  here  find 
much  historical  information  on  these  points  which  he  could  not 
readily  obtain  elsewhere-  W^e  liope  the  Temperance  Societies 
8 


44  THE  SOUTHERN 


throughout  the  country  will  give  this  opportune  pamphlet  a  most 
extensive  circulation.  It  may  be  had  at  12  1-2  cents  a  single 
number,  or  $1  a  dozen,  by  application  to  the  Editors  of  the  New 
York  Organ. 

Much  of  the  pamphlet  seems  to  have  been  written  by  Dr.  Ely, 
and  the  Rev.  gentleman  makes  awful  revelations  of  the  havoc 
wrought  by  strong  drink  among  the  ranks  of  the  clergy.  Of  all 
horrible  and  disgusting  things  a  drunken  parson  is  to  our  mind 
the  most  horrible  and  the  most  disgusting.  And  what  minister, 
or  what  man,  who  drinks  at  all,  can  tell  whether  or  when  he  is  or 
is  not  a  drunkard?  From  much  that  is  interesting  we  make  a 
few  extracts. 

"In  the  old  Consistory  Room  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 
in  Garden  street,  New  York,  we  have  seen  a  barrel  of  strong  beer 
on  tap,  in  the  midst  of  the  long  pipes  and  smoke  of  consistorial 
proceedings,  and  with  the  venerable  divines  and  elders  of  the 
classes  we  have  taken  our  share  of  the  tobacco  and  the  beverage." 
P.  10. 

What  a  picture  f  How  spirituariy  minded  must  have  been  those 
sage  and  learned  fathers!  How  clear  their  perceptions  of  the 
w^ants  of  the  Church  and  of  the  world  !  But  we  may  not  trifle 
with  so  awful  a  subject.    Here  is  something  still  more  appalling. 

**  We  could  give  the  names  of  more  than  thirty  clergymen  in  the  circle  of  our 
acquaintance,  who  did  become  publicly  known  as  drunkards ;  and  of  these,  iour 
were  Bishops  in  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  ;  three  had  been  Moderators  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  ;  and  ten  were  distinguished  a*- 
Doctors  in  Divinity. 

Of  the  thirty  to  whom  we  refer,  twenty  have  been  hurried  prematurely  to  th« 
grave  by  their  excess  in  drink.  Some  of  them  died  of  delirium  tremens.  Six  of 
them  were  reclaimed  by  ecclesiastical  discipline,  and  other  means.  One  of  them, 
returning  from  a  walk  on  a  summer's  day,  caught  up  a  porter  bottle,  which  had  tho 
smell  of  ardent  spirits,  and  in  haste  drank  heartily  of  it ;  but  he  soon  discovered 
that  he  had  swallowed  a  mixture  of  corrosive  sublimate  and  whiskey,  which  his 
wife  had  prepared  for  the  cleansing  of  her  bedsteads.  He  next  swallowed,  in  still 
greater  haste,  a  flask  of  sweet  oil  ;  and  by  the  help  of  emetics  and  a  skilful  physi- 
cian was  then  snatched  from  sudden  death.  This  did  not  cure  his  love  of  strong 
drink.  He  was  suspended  from  the  ministry,  and  dismissed  from  his  pastoral  charge. 
This  did  not  reclaim  him.  In  a  drunken  fit  he  subsequently  fell  down  stairs,  dis- 
located his  hip,  and  fractured  his  thighbone.  For  about  four  months  preceding  his 
death  he  appeared  to  be  a  penitent,  reformed  man ;  and  in  his  dying  moments,  in 
answer  to  a  friend  who  asked  after  the  state  of  his  mind,  replied,  "  Ths  least  of  all 
Crod'e  promises  is  quite  sufficient  for  fiuch  a  sinner  »s  I  am." 


METHODIST  Pt'LPIT. 


45 


One  of  the  thirty  was  a  German  Lutheran  minister,  in  a  large  town,  of  fine  tal- 
ents, and  of  exemplary  character,  before  drink  overpowered  him.  Ho  was  sus- 
pended ;  but  not  until  be  had  been  proved  to  be  so  drunk  at  the  communion  table 
that  his  elders  were  under  the  necessity  of  holding  him  up,  while  he  dispensed  the 
•mblema  -of  the  body  and  blood  of  his  Divine  Master."    P.  13. 

THE  APPLETONS,  200  BROADWAY,  NEW-YORK  ;  140 
CHESNUT  ST.,  PHIL. 

One  of  the  most  richly  furnished  Book-stores  in  New- York  is 
that  of  the  Appletons.  To  clergymen  and  students  of  Divinity, 
as  well  as  to  gentlemen  of  general  literary  tastes,  their  catalogue 
presents  a  most  tempting  bill  of  fare.  Their  importations  are  of 
the  most  valuable  class  of  English  books,  and  their  issues  are  in 
a  style  of  superior  typographical  execution.  We  recollect,  also, 
their  politeness  to  us,  when,  a  boy  and  a  stranger  in  "  the  city,'* 
we  set  our  heart  upon  an  English  copy  of  Bishop  Percy's  Reliques 
of  Ancient  English  Poetry,  and  how  kindly,  when  they  saw  us 
lay  the  book  down  with  an  expression  which  perhaps  unintention- 
nWy  indicated  the  condition  of  our  Exchequer,  they  adapted  the 
price  of  the  book  to  the  state  of  our  purse.  To  our  brethren  in 
the  ministry  and  to  other  friends  visiting  New-York,  we  recom- 
mend a  visit  to  the  store  of  the  Appletons.  We  have  received  from 
ihem  the  following  works : 

English  Synonymes  Classified  and  Explained,  6fc,  By  C.  F.  Gra- 
ham, Edited  by  Henry  Reed,  L.  L.  Professor  of  English 
Literature  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  New-  York  :  D,  Ap* 
pleton  4*  Co.  1817. 

The  study  of  English  Synonomy  is  absolutely  essential  to  ac- 
curacy in  speaking  and  writing.  Crabb's  work  on  this  subject  is 
very  valuable,  but  is  entirely  too  extensive  for  school  purposes. — 
Mr.  Graham's  book  is  just  the  manual  needed  by  younger  stu- 
dents.^ It  is  philosophic  in  its  arrangements,  lucid  in  style,  and 
greatly  increased  in  value  by  the  practical  Exercise  accompanying 
each  Example.  Prof.  Reed  has  enriched  the  work  by  illustrative 
quotations  from  Shakspeare,  Milton,  and  Wordsworth,  selected,  so 
far  as  we  have  been  able  to  examine,  with  judgment  and  taste. — 
We  commend  this  work  to  young  men  just  entering  the  ministry. 


46  THE  SOUTHER?* 


Romance  of  ike  History  of  Louisiana.  A  series  of  Lectures.  By 
Charles  Gayane.  New-York  :  D.  Applelon  <^  Co.  1849.  I  vol. 
12  mo. 

The  auilior  lias  selecleJ  a  lich  subject,  and  the  |)iint°r  and 
binder  have  produced  an  ele^aiUbook.  We  were,  however,  some- 
what disappointed  w  hen  we  came  to  read  the  work.  It  did  not 
come  lip  to  our  anticipation.  Tliis  struck  however;  that,  al- 
though the  book  presents  n;any  gkiring  specimens  of  false  taste, 
sentiment,  and  style,  the  author  continues  to  improve  as  he  writes, 
and  there  are  many  passages  of  simplicity,  beauty,  and  strength. 
We  regard  tliis  as  the  promise  of  something  better  from  the  same 
pen. 

Ollendorff' \s  New  Method  of  Learniner  [q  Read,  Write,  and  Speak 
the  French  Languat^e,  c^'c,  c^c,  By  J.  L.  Jewell.  New  York.  D. 
Appleton.  4'  Co.  1847. 

A  Key  to  the  Exercises  in  Ollendorff's  New  Method,  Sfc.  Revised 
Edition.    New  York.    D.  Avplcton      Co.  1^47. 

It  is  rather  late  in  the  day  to  speak  of  Ollendorff's  New  Meth- 
od of  teachinsf  and  learninar  the  livinsr  lans^uaf^es.  ScJiools  inter- 
ested  in  such  matters  have  long  since  examined  these  works  and 
formed  their  opinions.  For  oui'self  we  were  some  lime  ago  brougfrt 
to  the  opinion  that  Ollendorff's  is  the  natural  and  consequently 
the  most  reasonable  method  of  giving  instruction  in  languages. 

1.  A  First  and  Second  Latin  Book  and  Practical  Grammar.  By  T, 
K.  Arnold,  A.  M.  Carefully  Revised  and  Corrected  by  the  Rei\ 
J.  A.  Spencer,  A.  M.  Sixth  Edition.  New  York.  JJ.  Appleton 
<Sc  Co.  1848. 

2.  A  Practical  Introduction  to  Latin  Prose  Composition.  By  T.  K. 
Arnold,  A.  M.  C  ire  fully  Revised  and.  Corrected,  by  the  Rev.  J.  A. 
Spencer,  A.  M.  Fifth  American  Edition.  New  York.  D.  Apple.:- 
ion  4*  Co. 

3.  A  Practical  Introduction  to  Greek  Prose  Composition.  By  T.  K. 
Arnold,  A.  M.  Carefully  Roised  and  Corrected,  By  J-  A.  Spen- 
cer, A.  3L  From  the  Fifth  London  Edition.  New  York.  D. 
Appleton  4'  Co. 

4.  Greek  Reading  Book  for  the  use  of  Schools,  <SfC.  S^c.  4'^\  By  T. 
K.  Arnold,  A.  M.  Arid,  also  a  copious  selection  from  Greek  aU' 
thors,  with  English  Notes,  and  a  Lexicon.  By  Rev.  J.  A.  Spencer^ 
A.  M.    New  York.    I).  Appleton  4'  Co.  1848. 

Tliese  admirable  books  are  prepared  substantially  upon  Ollen- 
dorff's u'lethod,  the  principle  of  which  is  that  a  language  is  to  be 
learned  by  imitation  and  re[)etitioti.    While  Anthon's  books  are 


METHODIST  PULPIT. 


47 


doing  such  serious  injury  to  American  scholarship  we  are  glad  lo 
see  that  this  series,  which  is  to  be  a  blessing  to  boys  not  only  in 
tlie  way  of  doing  their  work  but  of  rendering  it  pleasing  and  cap- 
tivating, is  finding  its  way  into  our  principal  schools  and  colleges. 


Avierican  History  ;  comprisin^r  Historical  Sketches  of  the  Indian 
Tribes  ;  a  description  of  American  Antiquities,  (^"C.  By  Mar- 
cius  Willson,  New-York :  Mark  H.  Netcman  4"  Co.  1847.  12 
7/10.,  672. 

Tliis  work  contains  a  history  of  all  those  countries  of  North 
Annerica  of  sulficicnt  importance  lo  interest  the  general  reader. — 
Among  its  striking  features  we  notice  the  reduction  of  the  histori- 
cal dates  to  the  New  or  Gregorian  style,  thus  clearing  up  the  dis- 
crepancies existing  in  many  other  conjpilations  whose  authors 
have  not  observed  the  fact  that  English  writers  use  the  Old,  and 
modern  Catholic  writers  generally  the  New  style.  A  full  and  clear 
analysis  runs  along  the  margin  of  each  page,  accompanied  by  nu- 
merous important  dates  and  references.  Three  large  Maps  in  the 
body  of  the  woi  k  show  the  state  of  the  countiy  now  embraced  in 
the  United  States,  at  three  several  periods  ;  the  first,  fifty  years 
after  the  settlement  of  Jamestown  ;  the  second,  at  the  close  of  the 
Revolution  ;  the  third,  at  the  present  time.  These  are  important 
and  interesting  as  showing  how  our  settlements  are  extending. — 
Numerous  small,  and,  so  far  as  we  have  examined  them,  accurate, 
maps,  charts,  and  plans,  of  important  sections  of  the  country,  sites 
of  cities,  battle-fields,  and  ruins,  are  placed  at  the  bottom  of  ap- 
propriate pages,  and  render  very  great  assistance  to  the  reader. — 
In  all  there  are  129  of  these  embellishments,  including  an  inge- 
niously constructed  and  very  useful  miniature  chart  of  American 
History,  and  clear  copies  with  full  descriptions  of  the  seals  of  the 
different  States.  The  chapter  on  American  Antiquities  and  the 
History  of  the  several  Presidential  administrations  will  be  found 
important. 

We  take  pleasure  in  calling  the  attention  of  teacheis  and  gen- 
eral readers  to  this  work.  In  the  examination  we  have  been  able 
to  give  if,  we  have  been  struck  with  its  clearness,  succinctness, 
and  accuracy.  The  author  is,  we  believe,  a  practical  teacher,  and 
has  devoted  much  t,ime  and  lal>or  to  the  production  of  this  work. 


49 


THE  SOUTHERJf 


So  far  as  we  are  able  to  judge,  it  now  stands  at  the  head  of  books 
of  American  History,  adapted  to  the  higher  classes  in  schools  and 
to  general  readers. 

History  of  the  United  States^  for  the  use  of  schools^  By  Marcius 
Willson.    Cincinnati :  W\  H.  Moore  6^  Co.  1847. 

A  smaller  work  by  the  author  of  the  History  above  noticed, 

from  which  this  has  been  taken. 

Principles  of  Geneial  Grammar^  adapted  to  the  capacity  of  Youth, — 
By  A.  J.  Sylvestre  De  Saey^  Translated  and  adapted  to  American 
i«e,  by  D.  Fosdick,  Jr.  3ri  American  from  the  5th  French  Edi- 
tion.    New-  York  :  Mark  H.  Newman  ^  Co, 

This  is  a  well  known  work  by  the  learned  Baron  De  Saey,  one 
of  the  most  distinguished  of  modern  linguists.  Although  the  au- 
thor holds  some  opinions  not  generally  received  by  scholars  his 
book  is  a  valuable  aid  in  the  study  of  Languages.  Its  simplicity 
and  clearness  adapts  it  to  all  beginners,  whether  young  or  old,  and 
ought  to  be  read  carefully  by  those  who  give  elementary  instruc- 
tion in  this  department.  The  American  Editor  seems  to  have 
discharged  his  duty  well,  bringing  to  his  work  an  evident  appre- 
ciation of  the  philosophy  of  language  and  the  resources  furnished 
by  a  thoughtful  perusal  of  the  masters  of  our  own  tongue. 

The  Bible  is  not  of  Man :  or  an  Argument  for  the  Divine  Origin  of 
the  Sacred  Scriptures^  drawn  from  the  Scriptures  themselves.  By 
Gardiner  Springs  D.  Z>.,  Pastor  of  the  Brick  Church  in  the  City 
of  New  York,  Published  by  the  American  Tract  Society,  12  mo, 
319. 

To  the  reader  who  has  carefully  studied  the  bulwarks  and  de- 
fences of  our  most  holy  faith  this  excellent  work  of  Dr.  Spring's 
will  show  nothing  new.  Indeed,  we  suppose  that  the  author  did 
not  expect  to  devise  any  new  mode  even  of  presenting  the  same 
arguments,  which  the  learning  and  zeal  of  the  last  two  centuries 
especially,  have  furnished  as  weapons  in  the  warfare  with  Infidel- 
ity. And  yet  there  is  need  of  just  such  a  book  at  this  time.  It 
is  written  in  a  clear,  pleasant,  and  manly  style.  It  is  an  attractive 
re  statement  of  what  many  having  heard  frequently  before,  may 
find  it  to  their  profit  to  read  again  and  again.  We  recommend  it 
to  brethren  preparing  for  the  ministry,  in  addition  to  other  works 
(such  as  Paley's)  or  the  Evidences  of  Christianity,  which  this  vol- 


METHODIST   PULPtT.  49 


lime  cannot  supersede.  It  is  a  broader  argument  than  Paley'g. — 
We  should  think  it  a  good  text  book  for  the  classes  in  gome  of 
our  Colleges  who  recite  on  Sabbath;  and,  indeed,  for  Bible-classes 
generally.  We  cordially  recommend  it  to  heads  of  families  as  a 
good  book  to  be  read  aloud  on  Sabbath  evenings  when  their  fami- 
lies cannot  attend  divine  worship.  It  has  this  advantage  for  the 
young)  that  instead  of  stating  the  objections  of  infidels  it  goes  right 
foi'ward  with  ample  illustrations  of  an  admitted  fact,  that — the  Bi- 
ble IS  NOT  OF  MAN. 

REPUBLICATION  OF  THE  FOREIGN  REVIEWS. 

We  have  prepared  a  long  article  on  this  subject  which  we  are 
obliged  by  want  of  room  to  postpone  to  the  next  nunrber.  We 
refer  to  L,  Scott  &  Go's  card  in  our  advertising  sheet.  We  give 
the  contents  of  the  latest  numbers. 

Tfie  London  Quarterly  Revieiu.  March^  1848.  I.  Antiqua- 
rian Club  Books.  II.  Scotch  Topography  and  Statistics.  III. 
Eastlake  on  the  History  of  Painting.  IV.  Tennyson's  Princes?. 
V.  Our  Military  Establishments.  VI.  Count  Montholon  and  Sir 
Hudson  Lowe.  VII.  Lord  Hervey's  Memoirs.  VIII.  French 
Revolution,  February,  1848. 

Westminster  Review.  Aprils  1848.  I.  Life  of  Lord  Sid- 
mouth.  II.  Primogeniture  and  Peasant  Proprietors.  III.  State 
of  Education  in  Wales.  IV.  Bicetre  Asylum.  V.  Adventures 
in  Mexico.  VL  Louis  Blanc.  VII.  M.  Albert,  "Ouvrier."  VIIL 
Road  Reform.  IX.  French  Revolution,  Feb.  1848.  X.  Foreign 
Literature.  XI.  Correspondence.  XII.  Critical  and  Miscellane- 
ous Notices. 

Edinhiirg  Revieio.  Aprils  ISiS.  I.  The  Genius  of  Plato. — 
IT.  Coleridge  and  Southey.  III.  Everest's  Measurement  of  the 
Meridian  in  India.  IV.  Midsummer  Night's  Dream.  V.  Dea- 
conesses, or  Protestant  Sisterhoods.  VI.  Law  of  Settlement. — 
VII.  Leslie's  of  Constable.  VII.  Proscribed  Races  of  France  and 
Spain.  IX.  Modern  Quakerism.  X.  King's  Argentine  Repub- 
lic.   XI.  French  Republicans.    XII.  French  Revolution,  1848. 

North  British  Revieio.  May,  1848.    I.  Tennyson's  Poems- 


BO 


THE  SOUTHERN 


II.  Two  Summers  in  Norway.  III.  Snbbatli  Observance.  IV. 
Mrs.  h)omervi!le's  Physical  Geograpli}'.  V.  Foster's  Life  of  Gold- 
smiih.  YI.  Reofifit  French  Social  Philosophy.  Vlll.  Life  and 
Labors  of  Mrs.  Fry.    IX.  Budget  of  1848. 

Blnckwood-s  Ma^^azine.  June,  1848.  I.  How  to  Disarm  the 
Chatiists.  II.  Hoddart  and  Angling.  III.  The  Caxton's,  Part 
3.  This  is  worth  tiie  price  of  the  whole  volume  for  one  year. — 
lY.  Guesses  at  Truth.  Y.  Life  in  the  Far  West,  Parti.  YI. 
Lombardy  and  the  Italian  War.  YII.  The  Inca  and  liis  Bride. 
YlIT.  Sentiments  and  Symbols  of  the  Frencli  Republic.  IX. 
American  Feeling  toward  England.  A  more  than  ordinarily  lib- 
eral article  towards  this  Republic. 

HoMen\<i  Dollar  Magazine,  OJJice  of  Publication,  No.  lOG,  Nassau 
St.,  NeW'YorJf. 

This  is  one  of  the  cheapest  monthlies  we  know.  To  the  lovers 
of  fiction,  well-written,  it  has  considerable  charms;  and  beside 
this  there  is  a  great  deal  of  excellent  reading  of  another  kind. — 
W^e  are  too  much  straightened  this  month  to  make  a  more  partic- 
idar  notice  of  this  Magazine,  but  the  enterprising  publisher  pro- 
mises much  for  the  new  volume  beginning  in  July,  and  we  shall 
make  more  particular  mention  of  its  claims  to  patronage. 

We  have  received  the  following,  and  have  space  only  to  say 
that  7ipo)i  examination  we  believe  them  all  to  be  good  : 

1.  An  Address  on  Education:  delivered  before  the  Educaiional  Con- 
vention  df  Texas,  in  the  city  of  Houston.    By  the  Rev,  Chatincey 
Richardson,  A.  M.,  President  of  RutersviUe  College. 
Yvom  the  American  Tract  Society  the  foilowing : 

^2.  The  Wiihered  Branch  Revived.    By  the  Rev.  John  A.  Clark. 

3.  The  Trees,  Fruits,  and  Flowers,  of  the  Bible.  By  Mrs.  H.  lY. 
Coolc. 

4.  Memoir  of  Charles  L.  Winslow.    By  Mrs.  Hutchings* 
From  Mark  H.  Newman  4"  Co.    New  York. 

5.  Practical  Arithmetic,  Unitintr  the  Inductive  with  the  Synthetic  mode. 
By  .James  B.  Thompson,  A.  31. 

6.  Higher  Arithmetic.  By  the  same  Author.  The  very  best  Ameri- 
CRn  Arithmetic  we  have'  over  seen. 

7.  Manual,  Annlytical  and  Synthetical,  of  Orthography  and  Definition* 
By  James  N.  McEUigott.  A  capital  book  which  those  who  have 
not  had  the  advantage  of  a  elassical  education  would  do  well  to  pro. 
cure  and  study. 


Date  Due 

c  f  - 

Form  335— 35M— 9-34— C.  P.  Co. 

THIS  VOLUME  DOES  NOT  CIRCULATI 
OUTSIDE  THE  LIBRARY  BUILDING 


